Geographical Structure Of Istria

The region of Istria is divided into three geographical areas: White, Grey and Red Istria.
White Istria encompasses the area of northern Trieste karst and the highest parts of Cicarija with the Ucka mountain ( 1.396 m). This is an area of scarce vegetation with the exception of the above mentioned highest Istrian mountain. Although it is known for abundant rainfall it lacks water. Water disappears quickly in the ever thirsty karst un­derground. The name originates from the huge stone areas of karst.


Grey lstria includes all the central part of the peninsula characterised by river valleys and flysch rocks while water and vegetation are more abun­dant here. The biggest Istrian rivers have their sources here: the Mirna, Rasa and Pazincica. The name comes from the grey colour of this area in winter but also from the predominat­ing clay layers in the soil.

Red Istria is the most populated part and also the most fertile, en­compassing the western and south­ern littorals known for their indenta­tion and the wide plain which de­scends gently towards the sea. The name derives from the red soil. The steep valleys divide this part of Istria into four smaller areas named after bigger towns: Buje, Labin, Porec Pula and Rovinj.
Istria is situated between 44.32' degrees northern latitude and 12.29' degrees east longitude with a surface of 2.820 square kilometres and with more than 204 thousand inhabitants.
Smaller groups of islands also belong geographically to Istria, the most important being the Brijuni Archipelago with 14 islands, pro­claimed as a national park in 1983.
Besides the Brijuni National Park, which is an unique monument of nature, Istria has other protected rarities and reserves of vegetation: the Motovun wood, the park of Zlat­ni rt in Rovinj with about 70 varie­ties of trees, Lim Bay, Pazin Cave...